Posted 31 August 2023 in Travel wanderlust

5 places to visit on your weekend getaway to Hubli in Karnataka

When you think of Karnataka, you generally think of the coffee paradise Coorg, the UNESCO site of Hampi, the pristine beaches of Gokarna, or the hustle and bustle of Bengaluru. Hubli, a city in the state, is often overlooked by tourists, but is a place that is a must-visit for all. With pristine lakes, ancient temples, breathtaking pieces of architecture, and beautiful parks, the city of Hubli is slowly, but surely, becoming a popular tourist spot.

Hubli is situated in the northern part of Karnataka and the name literally translates to ‘flowering creeper’ in the local Kannada. It is, thus, aptly named as the city is overflowing with cultural and historical significance, and the spectacular sites are a sight for the eyes.Hubli is a well-developed city with many manicured parks, lakes, and gardens. Outside of Bengaluru, Hubli also houses the largest number of government offices.

If you are planning a visit to Karnataka, then read ahead to know the places to visit in Hubli.

1. Chandramouleshwara Temple

One of Hubli’s most important historical monuments, Chandramouleshwara Temple was built as a tribute to Lord Shiva and is almost 900 years old. Constructed during the reign of Chalukyas, it is said to have been built overnight by a group of anonymous sculptors and artisans. As it was constructed in the dark, the work was incomplete and remains so till date. Surprisingly, the half-finished compound just adds to the mystery. The entire temple is made of granite and has intricate carvings on the wall.

The temple is popular among devotees of Lord Shiva, who travel from far off places to offer their prayers and seek blessings.

2. Banashankari Temple

Banashankari is a form of Goddess Parvati and this temple has been built in her honour. Constructed around the 13th century, the temple is a testament of the brilliant artistry, and skills of the craftsmen and artisans of the Chalukya dynasty. Located near Chandramouleshwara Temple, Banashankari Temple has spectacular sculptures in the temple compound.

Banashankari Temple has two shrines, one which houses the main deity Devi Banashankari, and is constructed in the Nagara style of architecture. The other shrine houses a Shivaling and is constructed in the Dravida style.

3. Unkal Lake

One of the most visited places in Hubli, Unkal Lake is sprawled over 200 acres and has pristine, clear water. The lake is a great picnic spot and the weather is always fantastic. The lake is surrounded by greenery, and the views are simply picturesque. There is a statue of Swami Vivekananda situated in the middle of the lake.

Not just for people looking to enjoy a quiet evening, Unkal Lake is popular for water sports. Tourists can also enjoy boating on the lake.

4. Indira Gandhi Glass House

It is a landscaped garden in Hubli, which is a must-visit place for all nature lovers, budding photographers, and those who want to spend some quality time. With its exquisite sculptures and bright green lawns, it is a wonderful place to walk, admire vibrant flowers, and enjoy the rustic setting. There is a toy train inside the park which is operational on weekends and government holidays. The garden also has a musical fountain show which is popular among people of all ages.

Indira Glass House, a unique building made of glass, is situated in the middle of the garden. It has a lot of indigenous species of shrubs, plants, and flowers that have medicinal value. Flower shows, music concerts, and exhibitions are held here.

5. Nrupatunga Betta

Another reason to visit Hubli is the Nrupatunga Betta, a beautiful park that is built on the Hubli-Dharwad hill. The small hill has been developed into a gorgeous picnic spot for people to indulge in birdwatching and soak in the breathtaking views of the scenery. There is also a children’s park inside Nrupatunga Betta with swings.

How to reach?

Hubli is well connected via roadways, railways and airways. It is very easy to reach the city and marvel at the beauty and architecture.

By road: National highways of India have made it very easy to reach Hubli by road. Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is about 400 km away and can be reached via road in under seven hours. Cities like Goa, Solapur, and Belgaum are close by and can be reached in no time via road from Hubli.
By train: Hubli Junction has excellent connectivity via trains to all major cities in India. Platform number 1 of the station has a length of 1,505 m, making it the world’s longest railway platform. There are frequent and direct trains plying from the station to cities across India.
By air: Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport is the closest airport to Hubli, about 440 km away. IndiGo operates daily, non-stop flights to Bengaluru.

It is time to take a break from the usual hustle and bustle of the city to unwind in a place that is calm and serene, yet modern with many amenities.

Best time to visit

October to March is the best time to visit Hubli. November to January is considered the peak tourist season since the weather is comfortable around this time. For those looking for an offbeat and quiet experience, it is advised to visit Hubli in September as there are not many tourists.

weather

The weather in Hubli remains constant throughout the year, with very little variation with regard to seasons. There are low chances of rain in the city, and the weather is pleasant throughout the year. April and May are the hottest months, with temperatures going up to 37°C. January is the coolest month and temperatures vary around 28°C.